IREX congratulates Ricky Richard Anywar, recipient of the 2012 IREX Founders’ Day Award. Anywar is Founder and Executive Director of Friends of Orphans (FRO) in Uganda [7], which works to reintegrate child soldiers into their home communities, train IDPs in managing and resolving disputes, and increase food production in local areas. A former child soldier himself, Ricky received the 2008 Harriet Tubman Freedom Award, given every year to exemplary organizations that work to create sustainable freedom in communities vulnerable to slavery. He also received the 2008 Humanitarian Award from World of Children for his work with former child soldiers, child mothers, and vulnerable children. He is an alumnus of IREX’s Community Solutions [8]Program.
IREX celebrated the 44th anniversary of its founding the first of July. Ricky is the second recipient of the annual Founders’ Day award presented to an individual who embodies and boldly acts upon IREX’s mission to Make A Better World. IREX President Bob Pearson noted as he presented the award, "Ricky demonstrates a unique drive, compassion and dedication to promoting positive lasting change."